PIA Press Release2006/10/12

Hanging bridge to benefit North Cotabato remote barangay

Koronadal, South Cotabato (12 October) -- A hanging bridge that could be used by students and other residents of Barangay Patot in Pigcawayan was the solution offered by North Cotabato Governor Manny F. Piņol to the problem of constant flooding of Patot River during heavy rains.

The residents of Patot presented the problem to Gov. Piņol, mostly Iranon Muslims, during his visit to the barangay with Pigcawayan Mayor Herminio Roquero last Thursday, October 5, to give 8 boxes of imported books to Patot High School.

Residents of the barangay said that while there is an overflow bridge at Patot River, heavy and continuous rains cause the river to swell making it dangerous especially for students to cross.

Gov. Piņol immediately instructed Engr. Almira Lapasaran of the Special Engineering Task Force who was with him during the visit to look at the problem.

Engr. Lapasaran reported that a 30-meter hanging bridge can be constructed across the river requiring a budget of about P300,000.

Gov. Piņol ordered Engr. Lapasaran to prepare the necessary program of work, and said he will release the amount to Mayor Roquero as soon as he receives the formal letter of request from the Pigcawayan mayor.

Meanwhile, aside from the 8 boxes of books given under the provincial government's Books for Peace program, Gov. Piņol also committed to provide counterpart for the construction of a school building for Patot High School under the SEDIP program.

The governor also promised financial aid of P300, 000 for the construction of an additional school building for Patot Elementary School by the first quarter of 2007. (IDCD-PGO/PIA 12) [top]